Crime World

Crime World

Hit podcast about criminals, drugs and the sins of the underworld - now with further in-depth investigations and exclusive insights at our new website crimeworld.com.


An Unlikely Statesman: How Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch Almost Got Elected is OUT NOW - https://www.crimeworld.com/podcast-series/an-unlikely-statesman/


Creative Commons License Attribution (CC BY): Music by ketsa.uk


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Episode's summary

This episode explores the EncroChat 8 network, a sophisticated group of high-level drug suppliers operating with a corporate franchise model that spans from Northern Ireland to international locations like Colombia and North Korea. The discussion details the conviction of key figures such as Mark Dunford and Philip Shackles, highlighting how their supply chain functions much like a legitimate commodity business. The investigation also delves into the implications of the EncroChat hack on organized crime in Northern Ireland, specifically focusing on the 'Mr. Big Network' and its attempts to expand influence following the decline of the Kinahan group. The speakers examine how criminals use encrypted networks to maintain legitimacy and discuss the legal challenges regarding the admissibility of hacked evidence in European courts.

Chapters

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Highlights

The links between the powerful gangs show a supermarket supply chain of cannabis, cocaine, tablets and methamphetamine being bought and sold like any regular commodity.

00:00:02 · The speaker introduces the concept that modern drug trafficking has evolved into a highly organized, commodity-based supply chain.

It was a hack that was created by the French and the Dutch police over a period of three months nearly, from April 2020, all the Anchor chat phones, about 20,000 of them, were hacked into and the messages were harvested.

00:05:41 · The speaker explains the technical method used by law enforcement to gather evidence against the EncroChat users.

We no longer have a border when it comes to drug dealing.

00:13:38 · The speaker emphasizes the transnational nature of the drug trade involving various territories across Ireland and beyond.

EncroChat material has been challenged over and again, and it's robustly been upheld by the courts.

00:19:23 · The speaker notes that despite various legal challenges, the validity of evidence from the EncroChat hack has been maintained by high courts.

They were all attempting to appear legitimate. They are the more commercially minded sort of level of drug dealers.

00:26:14 · The speaker distinguishes these high-level criminals from street-level dealers by their focus on appearing professional and business-like.

Episodes

1857-

EncroChat Eight: The narco bosses supplying Ireland with drugs

This episode explores the EncroChat 8 network, a sophisticated group of high-level drug suppliers operating with a corporate franchise model that spans from Northern Ireland to international locations like Colombia and North Korea. The discussion details the conviction of key figures such as Mark Dunford and Philip Shackles, highlighting how their supply chain functions much like a legitimate commodity business. The investigation also delves into the implications of the EncroChat hack on organized crime in Northern Ireland, specifically focusing on the 'Mr. Big Network' and its attempts to expand influence following the decline of the Kinahan group. The speakers examine how criminals use encrypted networks to maintain legitimacy and discuss the legal challenges regarding the admissibility of hacked evidence in European courts.

14 Sep 2026
1856-

Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch's son appears in court after extradition to Ireland

This episode of Crime World examines the recent extradition and court appearance of Jason Hutch, the son of Gerry 'the Monk' Hutch. Following his return from Lanzarote, Hutch appeared in the District Court facing a single charge of facilitating the activities of a criminal organization between April 2016 and September 2021. The discussion explores the legal complexities of the case, including the impact of the solicitor strike on his representation and the involvement of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The hosts also touch upon the logistics of the extradition process, the use of a government jet for transport, and the broader context of ongoing investigations into organized crime in Ireland.

11 Sep 2026
1855-

PSNI 'failed' Jonathan Creswell victim after he exposed himself and threatened her

Journalist Tanya Fowle and guests examine the systemic failures of the PSNI regarding investigations into Jonathan Creswell. The discussion highlights an inadequate investigation into a prior indecent exposure complaint by 'Sarah,' which included evidence of misleading information provided to officials to cover up police failings. The episode further explores how senior officers allegedly possessed criminal history information that could have led to Creswell's arrest, yet failed to act or disclose the full extent of this knowledge during reviews. The speakers conclude by critiquing the lack of accountability and the erosion of public trust, calling for a formal public inquiry into these policing failures.

11 Sep 2026
1854-

Dad of chainsaw murder victims says convicted duo didn't kill son

This episode explores the legal developments surrounding the 2009 killing of Keith Ennis, specifically focusing on the recent quashing of convictions for Kenneth Brunell and Barry McArdle by the European Court of Human Rights. The discussion details the complex history involving drug gang involvement, the role of witness Philip County, and the impact of his testimony on the manslaughter convictions. The episode also tracks Philip County's subsequent criminal activities in Ireland and Canada, as well as the ongoing lack of closure for the victim's family, who continue to seek truth and clarity regarding the events of the crime.

10 Sep 2026
1853-

The murder of Mr Moonlight

This episode explores the upcoming TV drama, Mr. Moonlight, based on the true story of the murder of DJ Bobby Ryan by Patrick Quirk. The discussion delves into the complex web of financial entanglement, controlling behavior, and the relationship dynamics involving Mary Lowry that preceded the discovery of Ryan's body in a slurry tank. The conversation also examines the social dynamics of rural Ireland and the motives behind the crime, including jealousy and financial gain. Additionally, the speakers touch upon the production details of the RTÉ and BBC series, including high-profile casting and the involvement of the victim's children.

10 Sep 2026